STS Module 2 - A I.

Topic: History of Science and Technology and Development in the Philippines

I. Introduction

• Historical Context:

  • The Industrial Revolution made Britain an economic power, influencing subsequent nations towards industrialization.

  • Nations that adopted similar industrial practices subsequently enjoyed sustained economic prosperity.

• The role of Science and Technology (S&T):

  • Nations became industrialized and progressive through advancements in S&T.

• Colonial Influence in the Philippines:

  • Spanish colonization in the 16th century introduced western science and technology.

  • American colonization brought modern science and technology of the 19th century.

• Central Question:

  • What were the reasons behind the economic struggles of the Philippines despite such advancements?

• Module Aim:

  • To highlight the present economic condition of the Philippines by tracing the evolution of S&T from Spanish colonization to present day.

IV. Discussion

Science and Technology during Colonization

• Pre-Spanish Era:

  • Filipinos lived in independent settlements known as barangays.

  • Lifestyles relied on farming, hunting, and fishing, with tools such as spears, bows, knives, and bolos.

  • Cultural aspects included a writing system and counting methods laden with supernatural beliefs.

• Spanish Colonization:

  • Establishment of primary schools, limited higher education institutions, and hospitals.

  • Infrastructure developments occurred but were insufficient to promote significant S&T progress.

  • The education system focused primarily on religion, neglecting agriculture and industry.

  • Economic policy favored exporting raw agricultural products instead of developing local industries.

• Outcome:

  • Overall stagnation in S&T developments resulting from limited educational access and poor economic policies.

American Regime and Boost to S&T

• Introduction of a robust public education system, enhancing access to higher education, including establishments like:

  • University of the Philippines (UP)

  • A range of science-based programs offered (agriculture, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, public health, forestry).

• Scholarships provided for deserving graduate students and faculty members.

• Establishment of various science agencies, including:

  • Bureau of Science

  • Bureau of Health

  • Philippine General Hospital

  • Weather Bureau

  • Bureau of Mines

  • Bureau of Forestry

  • Bureau of Agriculture

  • Bureau of Coast and Geodetic Survey

  • Bureau of Plant Industry

  • National Research Council of the Philippine Islands

• Continued economic practice:

  • Persistent exporting of agricultural crops and importing manufactured goods limited industrial activity, leading to technological stagnation.

• Graduates of science and technology often left the country due to lack of local job opportunities.

Science and Technology in the Post-American Era

• Persistence of American educational policies and programs on S&T post-independence (1945 onwards).

• Administrative continuity issues:

  • Various administrations created, organized, and reorganized science agencies without a consistent S&T direction.

  • Each administration focused on differing S&T agendas which affected overall development.

• Economic policy of continued importation of manufactured goods.

• Present State of S&T in the Philippines:

  • Indicators utilized to assess S&T status include:

    • Research and Development (R&D) expenditures

    • Patent outputs

    • R&D manpower per population

    • R&D spending per gross national product

    • Research publications

    • Education spending

• 2015 Study by Center for Research and Development Strategy-Japan Science and Technology Agency (CRDS-JST):

  • Philippines ranked 5th in ASEAN in R&D budget and number of researches.

  • Ranked 6th in the number of scientific research outputs.

Science & Technology and National Development

• Historical lessons from the Industrial Revolution:

  • S&T serves as a driver of national development.

• Pathway illustrated by various developed nations (Britain, USA, Japan, Russia):

  • First focus on agricultural improvement using modern technology to achieve mass production.

  • Proceeded to produce modern technologies for marketing, leading to substantial economic growth.

  • An improved economy subsequently paved the way for enhancements in welfare and education.

• Resulting expert production:

  • Developed nations transitioned into not just sellers of machinery, but also of services and expertise.

• Current Status of the Philippines in Global Indices:

  • In the 2017 UN Human Development Index (HDI), ranked 116th out of 189 countries.

  • HDI combines life expectancy, education, and gross national income per capita.

  • Indicators of lagging science and technology in the Philippines reflected in rankings.

  • 2019 World Economic Forum's Competitive Index (WEFCI):

    • Philippines ranked 64th out of 140 countries (sharp decline from 46th in 2015-2016).

    • Comparison with other ASEAN nations indicates a poor standing in S&T and economic development.

Perspectives for Development Through Science and Technology

• Significance of Science and Technology:

  • Continues to be a crucial driver of national development.

• Evolution of development pathways:

  • Modern development strategies combine social aspects and S&T rather than relying solely on industrialization.

• Key pillars of development identified include:

  • Enabling Environment

  • Market

  • Human Capital

  • Innovation System

• Integration of S&T within these pillars demonstrates the multifaceted approach to development shown in Figure 1.

• Figure 1.: S&T in the WEFCI Based Development Framework

  • Enabling Environment:

    • Institutions, Infrastructure, ICT, Economic Stability

  • Human Capital:

    • Health, Skills

  • Market:

    • Product Market, Labor Market, Financial System, Market Size

  • Innovation Ecosystem:

    • Business Dynamism, Innovation Capability, Science & Technology

V. Summary

• The stagnation of Science and Technology during the Spanish regime can be attributed to the colonial economic policy and education system.

• The American introduction of a more effective public education system improved access to higher education and created more science agencies; however, colonial economic policies continued.

• Since the establishment of the Republic in 1945, a colonial economic legacy of importing manufactured products persisted, with inconsistent S&T priorities among administrations.

• Currently, the Philippines lags behind in S&T and overall development.

• According to the World Economic Forum, modern paths to development rely on four pillars: enabling environment, human capital, market, and innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the combination of S&T and effective social policies.